Etna high varsity softball team preview: Lady Lions coach optimistic about team

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By Tanner Horton for the Daily News

Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA

By Tanner Horton for the Daily News

Posted Mar. 14, 2013 at 11:46 AM
Updated Mar 14, 2013 at 12:35 PM

By Tanner Horton for the Daily News

Posted Mar. 14, 2013 at 11:46 AM
Updated Mar 14, 2013 at 12:35 PM

ETNA

Coming off a 7-13 record last year, Etna head softball coach Harold Bennett is very optimistic about this year's team.

This season is coach Bennett's second year as the varsity head coach and sixth overall year in the softball program. With only two seniors this year, the team is looking relatively young. Of the 15 players, six of them are freshmen, four are sophomores, followed by three juniors and the two seniors.

Featured on this year's squad is returning all-league catcher and captain, Jessie Eiler, who led the team last year in both hits as well as runs batted in. Coach Bennett also commended sophomore Sage Gomes, saying that "she has experience beyond her years and it definitely shows."

Right now coach Bennett says that the main focus is strength and conditioning, as well as helping the younger players maintain a better focus.

After going 1-3 in last weekend's tournament in Anderson, Bennett believes that the players nerves will go away, and they will only get better from here. "I think this season is going to be phenomenal. The girls' confidence is up and I think we have a really good team." The team travels to Hamilton City this weekend to take part in a two-day tournament. First up for the Lady Lions will be a game against Mount Shasta on Friday.